Dubai: Dubai Police and Al Zaabi topped the podium at the end of the third round of the Dubai Traditional 30ft Rowing Race held off the Mina Seyahi waters of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Saturday.
Organised by DIMC as part of the 2017 watersports calendar, the third round attracted a strong field of 42 boats. Considering the safety aspect and to give boats a better chance at competing, the organising committee decided to divide the entrants into two groups of 21 boats.
The orange group saw a stiff competition between the Dubai Police boat skippered by Mohammad Esmail Al Falasi and Ras Al Khaimah 1 owned and led by Nasser Saeed Al Kaas. However, the Dubai Police crew managed to hold on till the end to come out first leaving Ras Al Khaimah 1 in second place, while Shabab Bin Majid beat Gulfar and Wadi Al Siji to clinch the last spot on the podium.
The second heat too was an exciting affair with at least 12 boats getting a penalty slapped on them for non-alignment at the starting line. After a lengthy meeting of the organising committee with the race director Huzaim Al Qamzi Al Zaabi was declared the winner ahead of Al Tarf and Thouban. The UAE & KSA boat came in fourth, while former winner Al Barq was placed fifth.
